Colleges apply for rural generalism to become official sub-specialty

The RACGP and ACRRM have formally applied to have rural generalist medicine recognised by the Medical Board of Australia as a sub-specialty of general practice.
The colleges say the move is “critical” in addressing inequities in access to health services in the bush, as well as barriers to training and employment faced by rural doctors.
The joint application was submitted to the medical board in December.
ACRRM president Dr Ewen McPhee said endorsement of rural generalism as a specialised field within general practice would help to create a clear career path for aspiring rural generalists who undergo advance training in areas such as obstetrics, mental health, palliative care and emergency care.